A yellow sunrise is seen through the clouds on a beach.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The 2024 Young Artist Exhibit is on display through April 27, featuring student artwork from 17 Northeast Michigan schools, with over 600 pieces made by kindergarten through 12th graders. Visit artintheloft.org, email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877 for more information.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Beverly Benson Wolf’s photography is on display now through July 20 at the museum. The Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild invites the community to their annual exhibit at the Besser Museum from April 15 through July 24. This year’s theme is “It Figures.” Each piece displayed will be an original work of art by a current NEMAG artist in their chosen medium and may present a literal or figurative interpretation of the theme. Artists will be in attendance from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the museum to discuss their artwork. NEMAG promotes and supports art and artists through inspiration, information and education in our community. Artists of all skill levels are welcome and may choose to participate in NEMAG activities such as local exhibitions, workshops, meetings and other events throughout the year. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Information about NEMAG can be found under the Art Section of the Museum website; email northeastmichiganartistsguild@gmail.com, or call Karen at 989-766-9945 or Ellen at 989-916- 5997. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena, features 25 local artists’ work on display and for sale. Kamara Marsh is the featured artist for April. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

∫ Dragonfly Art Gallery, 116 E. Main St. in Harrisville, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call 989-820-9614.

Today, April 9

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts Mexican Train Express dominoes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.

∫ Great Start Collaborative Playgroup is held weekly at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at Alpena County Library. Looking for social and learning experiences designed to help your child grow? Join ACL for Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children ages newborn to 5, and caregivers. Caregivers will participate in music and movement, social/play activities, and/or math activities with their child or children each week, followed by a short story time. No registration necessary.

∫ TOPS #1614 Alpena welcomes new members who are looking for support in their weight-loss journey. Meetings are held every Tuesday morning at the First Presbyterian Church at 1600 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena. Weigh-ins start at 9:45 a.m. and meetings start at 10:30 a.m. There is no obligation to join if you attend your first meeting. For more information, call 989-255-4787.

∫ Potential homeowners can find out the steps they need to take to get closer to homeownership from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Habitat for Humanity offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena.

∫ Every Tuesday in April, practice ukulele at 10 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library, with ukuleles available for checkout, and players of all skill levels invited to join.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center offers quilting at 10 a.m. and Spitzer at 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

∫ Good Grief is a grief support group at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St.. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ The Alpena High School Class of 1953 will be meeting again starting at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at the 19th Hole. The group will meet every second Tuesday through Nov. 12 at the 19th Hole. Please mark your calendars and let other classmates know. Bring your spouse or a friend. If you have questions, call Jeanne Frantz-Szymanski at 989-356-0606.

∫ The FamilySearch Center is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 411 Long Rapids Plaza in Alpena.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Congregational Church, Alpena. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook.

∫ At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, join ALL at the M. Briggs Center at ACC to hear about Our Safari. Join Alice Meredith and Sue Nagy as they relive their trip to Africa. This Wild Life Safari Trip was a truly authentic way to see Africa. The African Big Five were seen. It was traveling that made a connection with the culture on a deep meaningful level that would be difficult to duplicate. Meredith has been a member of ALL for a year-and-a-half and has lived in Alpena since 1972. She is an avid swimmer and enjoys being a part of her book club. Nagy is on the ALL Board and contributes much including coordinating the Happenings.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tinker Tuesday is about getting together and exploring projects ranging from Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D Printing, Strawbees, littleBits, Snap Circuits, sewing and more. Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ Drawing from the Well of Resiliency as a Caregiver will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St., Alpena. Join Vicki Thomas, MA, NBCC, for a guided discussion about adapting to your role as caregiver and learn ways to strengthen your resiliency. Please call to reserve your spot or to receive the virtual link: 989-356-3231 or email melissa@friendstogethermi.org.

∫ Cub Scouts meet from 6 to 7 p.m., and Boy Scouts meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena.

∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 6 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly potluck is for those in the LGBTQ community, their families, and supporters, at Bay View Center, 710 N. 2nd Ave. Call 989-340-0955.

∫ Karaoke Night is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Black Sheep Pub in downtown Alpena.

Wednesday, April 10

∫ Alcona Elementary’s Kindergarten Round-up will be held on Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Students will meet teachers, visit classrooms, get vision and hearing screenings, and more. To register in advance, call 989-736-8146, email achtabowskik@alconaschools.net, or leet@alconaschools. net. Please bring the following to the kindergarten round-up for each child: birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the APlex. Call 989-358-7207.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon for Open MakerLab. Makers of all ages can tinker, collaborate, and create a project of their choice in our lab. Staff help is available if needed. Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision at all times. Call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center exercise is from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

∫ Guys Like Us is a Wednesday morning coffee crew of men who are coping with cancer, meeting at 10 a.m., in-person at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

∫ Alpena County Library will host “Words and Music” free monthly drop-in lunchtime concerts from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month beginning April 10. Bring your lunch (and musical appetite) and join Dr. Tom for a concert in the upstairs Stillion Conference Room. April 10th’s theme is The Songs of Johnny Mercer. The library is located at 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena.

∫ Free Family History Classes will be noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at the FamilySearch Center inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 411 Long Rapids Plaza in Alpena. Classes include: Female ancestors’ maiden names on April 13.

∫ Seniors affected by dementia and their caregivers are invited to Spark A Connection Memory Cafe with a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River St. Memory Cafe will be offered on the second Wednesday of the month. Call the senior center for more information at 989-356-3585.

∫ Sewing Club is held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Alpena County Library. Registration is required for this class. To register, call Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ ALL offers a Second Square Dancing Class from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at M. Briggs Center.

∫ Women on Wednesday is a support group for women with cancer meeting in-person and via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Friends Together.

∫ Alpena Sportsmen’s Club is a nonprofit located at 4260 M-32 West in Alpena, open to members and non-members. Skeet and sporting clay shooting are offered from 5:45 p.m. until dark on Wednesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more info, text Joel Suszek at 989-255-4928 or Jeff Welch at 989-255-6068.

∫ Open Mic Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday at Patchwood Plaza in Hillman. Call the Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-742-3739.

∫ The Long Lake Improvement Association will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Parker House Restaurant on U.S.-23 North. The public is welcome.

∫ Rich Rider hosts Open Mic Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Black Sheep Pub, located at 113 S. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena.

Thursday, April 11

∫ Community Walking Club for Everyone meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Call 989-724-6796 for more information.

∫ Join the Alpena County Girlfriends at JJ’s Steak and Pizza House at 10 a.m. on Thursdays for coffee and conversation. This is a women-only group whose purpose is to make friends and socialize with women from Alpena County and the surrounding areas.

∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center, led by Marilyn Klingshirn.

∫ Michigan Association Retired School (MARSP) will hold their first meeting of 2024 at noon on April 11 at the First United Methodist Church on Ripley Boulevard. Justin Hinkley, publisher of The Alpena News, will be the guest speaker. All retired school personnel are encouraged to join us for lunch, a guest speaker, and updates on our pension, insurance and other concerns on what is happening in Lansing. A catered meal will be provided at a cost of $12.50 or you can bring your own lunch. Reservations were to be made with Ruth LeBarre at 989-379-4453 no later than Friday, April 5.

∫ Friends Together presents Journaling with Friends, from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Explore creative ways to organize your thoughts. Registration is required by calling 989-356-3231.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ A cookie decorating class will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at the Free Methodist Church, 175 N. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. The cost of $30 was to be paid by March 25 to Betty DuRocher. Each person will receive 12 cookies with three colors of icing in their cookie kit. Theresa from Cabin Cookies will give participants instructions and tips to decorate your cookies at this fun event. Email bjdurocher@gmail.com.

∫ Join ALL at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday for Global Tipping Points at M. Briggs Center and via Zoom. “Devastating climate events and nature loss are here today,” a press release states. “Scientists are no longer talking about tomorrow’s problem.” Joe Gentry is a trustee at Alpena Community College, a former adjunct for ACC, and is the executive director of the United Way of Northeast Michigan.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Needles and Threads group is held from 2:30 to 4:30 pm every Thursday at the Grand Lake branch of Presque Isle District Library. Bring your latest knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, or other crafts. Call 989-734-2477, ext. 2 with questions. The library is located at 18132 Lake Esau Highway, Presque Isle.

∫ Thursday Eve Serenity Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 351 Wilson St., Alpena. If a problem drinker has or is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help you. Meetings are anonymous and confidential. Call 989-354-5476.

Friday, April 12

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the APlex.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Then at noon, Mahjong is played, and pinochle starts at 12:30 p.m.

∫ Presque Isle District Library’s Posen branch offers knitting and crocheting from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays. All levels are welcome. If you have questions, call 989-734-2477.

∫ On Fridays in April, get ready for a world of giggles, wonders, and creativity at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Storytime and Craft for Kids is not just about learning; it’s about unleashing the joy of discovery!

∫ ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center. This is an ongoing group of card players who welcome any players at any time. This group is a teaching class but experienced players are also welcome.

∫ The Hillman VFW Post 2356 hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday night, with your choice of fish or shrimp, potato, coleslaw, roll, and drink. The fish fry is open to the public, and the cost is $12 for the fish dinner or $14 for the shrimp dinner.

∫ ALL hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. Call 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu. Brush up on your mainstream and plus dancing.

Saturday, April 13

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 State Ave. in Alpena. Visit Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ On Saturdays in April, forge new friendships, strategize with your party, and let your creativity soar in the teen-exclusive Dungeons and Dragons Club, upstairs at the Hollyhock Emporium in Harrisville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 14

∫ The community is invited to a Peace Gathering from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church, 119 W. Dunbar St., Alpena. Come take part in an evening of gentle music provided by David Usher, followed by intermittent readings and quiet reflection. Cookies and punch will follow in the fellowship hall. This event is sponsored by the Alpena Peace Community. For more information, email alpenapeacecommunity@gmail.com.

∫ If a problem drinker is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help. Confidential and anonymous meetings are held from 2 to 3 p.m. every Sunday at St. Raphael Church in Mikado.

Monday, April 15

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 for details.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Euchre starts at 12:30 p.m.

∫ Experienced bridge partners looking for some challenging competition can join the Alpena Duplicate Bridge Club that meets from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Mondays. For more information, call 989-354-2306 or 989-595-5119.

∫ Friends Together North is a cancer support group for men and women that meets at 12:30 p.m. each Monday at the Presque Isle District Library in Rogers City.

∫ Friends Crochet and Craft is a support group at Friends Together meeting at 3 p.m. on Mondays. This group is for men and women, and offers crafty ways to overcome “chemobrain.” Call 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ Friends Together presents Monday Mixer, a support group for men and women coping with a cancer experience, at 4:30 p.m. each Monday at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ GriefShare meets at 5 p.m. on Mondays at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena. This 13-week program started March 4, led by facilitator Brent Finzel. For more information, call Carol at 989-354-3758.

∫ If a problem drinker is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help. Confidential and anonymous meetings are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the Alano Club located at 3100 Piper Road, Alpena. For more information, contact Diane at 989-821-9601.

Editor’s Note: Send Community Calendar submissions to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com by noon the Friday before the following Tuesday calendar. If you have questions, call Lifestyles Editor Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691, or email questions to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com.